O'Donnell, Witmer to Compete in World Cup

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Two former Terrapins in Katie O'Donnell and Jill Witmer were selected to Team USA's final roster for the Rabobank World Cup beginning May 31 in the Hague, Netherlands.

“I am very excited to take part in my first World Cup," O'Donnell said. "There is so much excitement around this tournament because it's both men and women together for the first time ever and in what I would call the hockey capital of the world. We have been preparing so hard for months and we will finally get a chance to see where we stand for the first time since the Olympics. We have had awesome support from our fans and I know it will continue through the games. I couldn't be more excited."

Currently ranked 10th in the world, Team USA holds ground in Pool B along with Argentina (World Ranked 2), England (World Ranked 3), Germany (World Ranked 6), China (World Ranked 7) and South Africa (World Ranked 11). Team USA will open competition against England on June 1 at 7 a.m. ET.

"Many FIH hockey enthusiasts view World Cup hockey as the greatest field hockey tournament we've ever seen," Terrapins head coach Missy Meharg said. "With the men and women together in Holland you can expect an outrageous hockey event on and off the field. Maryland wishes Terp alums Katie O'Donnell and Jill Witmer a world-class athletic experience."

Rolling off of a tremendously successful Champions Challenge Tour in Scotland two weeks ago, the Americans look to carry the knowledge and confidence established with their first-place finish in Glasgow to Holland. Previously, the highest mark the United States achieved at the World Cup was in 1994 when the women’s national team earned 3rd.

The squad’s last appearance at this tournament occurred in 2006 where they finished 6th.

Chase the Cup with U.S. by checking the team’s schedule and watching the games live here. The matches can also be viewed on ESPN3.